Understanding Norwood Scale: Where Are You?

The Norwood-Hamilton scale is the standard classification system for male pattern hair loss. Knowing your Norwood stage helps you set realistic goals and choose appropriate treatments.

The Norwood Scale Breakdown

Norwood 1: No significant hair loss. Hairline is juvenile with minimal recession.

Norwood 2: Slight recession at the temples, forming an "M" shape. Still minimal visible thinning.

Norwood 2A: Recession at temples without a defined "M". Entire hairline moves back uniformly.

Norwood 3: Deeper temple recession. The "M" becomes more pronounced. First stage where hair loss is clinically significant.

Norwood 3 Vertex: Norwood 3 pattern plus thinning at the crown (vertex).

Norwood 4: Severe temple recession + crown thinning. A bridge of hair still separates the front and back thinning areas.

Norwood 5: The bridge between front and crown narrows significantly. Large areas of baldness with thin connecting strip.

Norwood 6: Front and crown merge into one large bald area. Only a narrow band of hair around the sides and back remains.

Norwood 7: Most advanced stage. Only the "donor zone" (horseshoe pattern around sides and back) has hair. Top is completely bare.

Why It Matters: Your Norwood stage determines realistic treatment goals. A Norwood 2 can expect full restoration with medication. A Norwood 6 needs transplants + medication for significant improvement.

Treatment Recommendations by Stage

Norwood 1-2 (Early/Preventive)

Goal: Maintain current density, prevent progression
Protocol:

Finasteride 1mg daily (can reduce to 0.5mg for mild cases)
Ketoconazole shampoo 2x/week
Optional: Low-dose minoxidil for extra insurance

Norwood 3-4 (Moderate Loss)

Goal: Stabilize + partial regrowth
Protocol:

Finasteride 1mg daily
Minoxidil (topical or oral)
Ketoconazole shampoo
Consider microneedling for enhanced results

Norwood 5-6 (Advanced Loss)

Goal: Maximize existing hair + consider surgical options
Protocol:

Finasteride + minoxidil (to protect existing hair)
Hair transplant consultation (requires sufficient donor hair)
Consider aggressive adjuncts (PRP, exosomes)

Norwood 7 (Extensive Loss)

Goal: Surgical restoration with realistic expectations
Protocol:

Finasteride to protect transplanted grafts
Multiple transplant sessions (2,000-4,000+ grafts total)
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for density illusion

The Earlier, The Better

Hair loss is progressive. Starting treatment at Norwood 2-3 offers far better outcomes than waiting until Norwood 5-6. Early intervention preserves follicles before they miniaturize beyond recovery.

How to Accurately Assess Your Stage

Take photos in bright, even lighting from multiple angles (front, sides, top)
Compare your hairline to Norwood scale diagrams (widely available online)
Have a dermatologist assess if unsure—they can catch early miniaturization you might miss
Track changes every 6 months to gauge progression rate

Norwood Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

The Norwood scale classifies pattern, not density. You can be Norwood 3 with thick hair or Norwood 3 with diffuse thinning. Density matters as much as pattern for treatment decisions.

Find Your Protocol Based on Your Stage

Take our quiz to get personalized treatment recommendations based on your Norwood stage and goals.

Take the Quiz

The Bottom Line: Know Your Stage, Act Accordingly

The Norwood scale isn't about labeling yourself—it's about making informed decisions. A Norwood 2 doesn't need a transplant; a Norwood 6 won't regrow a full head of hair with medication alone. Understanding where you are helps you set realistic goals and choose the right interventions.

The best time to start treatment? Yesterday. The second best time? Today. Regardless of your Norwood stage, taking action now prevents future regret.